Discover the Soul of South Boso at Shirohama Nojima-saki
Nestled at the southernmost tip of the Boso Peninsula, Shirohama Nojima-saki roadside station is a gateway to pristine coastal beauty and rich cultural heritage. Surrounded by sweeping sea views and rolling countryside, this vibrant hub blends natural wonder with community spirit. From the historic Meiji-era Nojima-saki Lighthouse to the iconic Eye Bridge—featured in classic Japanese literature—every corner tells a story.
The station shines as a center for sustainable living and local tradition. Visitors can explore a greenhouse dedicated to nurturing seedlings, witness wind-powered energy in action, and stroll through seasonal flower displays that carpet the landscape in spring. With a bustling market featuring regional produce, seasonal events like the White Beach Mermaid Festival and the National White Beach Tune Championship, and a scenic coastal campsite, there’s always something special to experience.
Why Visit
Shirohama Nojima-saki is home to Japan’s oldest Western-style lighthouse, the Nojima-saki Lighthouse, built in 1869 and rebuilt after the Great Kanto Earthquake. Its summit offers panoramic views of the Pacific, unmatched by any other roadside station. Just steps away, the rare Meiji-era stone arch bridge, known as the "Glasses Bridge," stands as a living relic of Japan’s engineering past. These two historic landmarks, combined with the station’s role as a hub for regional agriculture and renewable energy, create a one-of-a-kind destination where history, nature, and sustainability converge.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh, local flavors at Shirohama Nojima-saki roadside station, where seaside charm meets authentic regional cuisine.
Local Harvest Restaurant
地元農産物レストラン
Specialty
Fresh local produce and seasonal ingredients
A cozy restaurant offering meals made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, emphasizing regional agriculture and sustainable dining.
Seafood Bistro
海の幸レストラン
Specialty
Freshly caught seafood from local waters
A seaside-inspired bistro specializing in fresh seafood dishes, featuring daily catches from nearby waters. The ambiance is relaxed and coastal, perfect for enjoying ocean views.
Sunny Café
サンニンカフェ
Specialty
Homemade pastries and light snacks
A bright and cheerful café offering homemade pastries, coffee, and light refreshments. Ideal for a relaxing break with a view of the surrounding nature.
Farmers' Market Food Stall
農産物直売所
Specialty
Fresh local produce and quick snacks
A small food stall offering fresh fruits, vegetables, and quick snacks made from local ingredients. The atmosphere is casual and community-focused.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique local crafts and seasonal produce at Shirohama Nojima-saki roadside station, a treasure trove of regional pride.
Local Specialty Shop
特産物販売所
A shop dedicated to selling regional products, including local food, crafts, and souvenirs.
Products
Must-Try Item
White Beach Sea Salt
Farmers' Market
農産物直売所
A market where local farmers sell fresh produce directly to visitors.
Products
Must-Try Item
Organic Tomatoes
Craft and Artisan Shop
工芸品販売所
A shop showcasing handmade crafts and artisanal goods from local artists.
Products
Must-Try Item
Hand-thrown Ceramic Bowl
Seafood and Delicacies Shop
海の幸販売所
A shop specializing in dried and preserved seafood products.
Products
Must-Try Item
Dried Sardines
Local Dairy Shop
乳製品販売所
A shop offering locally produced dairy products such as cheese and yogurt.
Products
Must-Try Item
Farm Fresh Cheese
Alcohol and Beverage Shop
飲料販売所
A shop selling local alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local Sake
Featured Products
Explore signature specialties like coastal seafood and handmade goods, crafted with care from the heart of southern Boso.
White Beach Sea Salt
白浜の塩
Hand-harvested sea salt from the pristine waters of Shirohama, known for its purity and delicate flavor.
Farm Fresh Cheese
地元チーズ
Artisan cheese made from fresh milk sourced from local farms, with a rich and creamy texture.
Dried Sardines
干しサバ
Traditional dried sardines, sun-dried and seasoned with local herbs for a savory taste.
Hand-thrown Ceramic Bowl
手作り陶器ボウル
A unique, handcrafted ceramic bowl made by local artisans using traditional techniques.
Organic Tomatoes
有機トマト
Fresh, organically grown tomatoes with a sweet and juicy flavor.
Local Sake
地元酒
Premium sake brewed using traditional methods and local water, offering a smooth and aromatic taste.
Blueberry Muffin Mix
ブルーベリーマフィンミックス
A ready-to-bake mix containing dried blueberries and natural ingredients for homemade muffins.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax and recharge at Shirohama Nojima-saki roadside station with clean restrooms, free Wi-Fi, and serene viewing areas.
Parking Lot
Includes parking for 15 compact cars, 1 large vehicle, 2 disabled-accessible vehicles, and 3 RVs.
Near the main building
Restroom
Features 4 male toilets, 4 female toilets, and 1 disabled-accessible toilet.
Near the main building
Free Wi-Fi
Free wireless internet access available at the roadside station.
Throughout the station premises
Information Center
Provides information about local agriculture, seasonal events, natural scenery, and regional produce. Also serves as a resting and conversation area for visitors.
Main building (Hall)
Children's Playground
A park area with a children's play zone located near the lighthouse and coastal area.
Near the Noishima Lighthouse and coastline
Hot Spring
The station does not have an onsen facility. However, the nearby area includes natural hot springs and bathing opportunities.
Near the coastline and nature trails
Bike Rental
No bike rental service is mentioned at this roadside station.
Nursing Room
No dedicated nursing room is mentioned in the provided content.
EV Charging Station
No electric vehicle charging station is mentioned in the provided content.
ATM
No ATM is mentioned in the provided content.
Pet Area
No specific pet area is mentioned in the provided content.
Activities & Experiences
Engage in seasonal events, hands-on workshops, and scenic walks from the iconic lighthouse to the beachfront.
Sea Woman Festival
白浜海女まつり
Participants can enjoy a magical night parade where sea women swim in the sea holding torches, followed by a fireworks display and Bon dance.
Duration
120 min
Outdoor event; check weather conditions before attending.
National White Beach Song Competition
白浜音頭全国大会
Attendees can participate in or watch a national competition to find the best performer of the traditional folk song 'Shirahama Ondo', with additional events like folk song classes and performances.
Duration
180 min
Events may be held outdoors; bring rain protection if needed.
Greenhouse Seedling Cultivation Experience
温室棟
Visitors can learn about and observe the experimental cultivation of seedlings in a greenhouse, including germination and nurturing processes used to support local agriculture.
Duration
60 min
Indoor activity; unaffected by weather.
Lighthouse Viewing and Guided Tour
野島埼灯台
Explore the historic Noshima Lighthouse, one of Japan's oldest Western-style lighthouses, and enjoy panoramic views from its top-level observation deck.
Duration
45 min
Best viewed on clear days; avoid during heavy rain or fog.
Glasses Bridge Walk
めがね橋
Walk across the unique stone arch bridge, known as one of Japan's famous bridges, and enjoy scenic views of the coastline.
Duration
30 min
Best enjoyed on dry, sunny days; slippery when wet.
Camping at Genpen Coast
根本海岸・キャンプ場
Rent a camping spot on the wide sandy beach, ideal for outdoor activities and enjoying the sea during summer months.
Duration
1440 min
Camping only available during dry, stable weather; avoid during typhoon season.
Insider Tips
Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds and catch the best views of the lantern-lit sea during the summer festival.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to access the greenhouse tour, which begins promptly at 9:30 AM and offers a guided look at the seedling cultivation experiments used in local agriculture.
- Hidden Gems: Ask at the information counter about the seasonal flower display in the hall, which features a rotating exhibit of native plants from the region—especially vibrant in spring when the "flower carpet" is at its peak.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the deli counter between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM to try the limited-time seasonal sardine rice balls, available only during the summer months and made with fish caught by local fishermen.
- Best Photo Spot: Climb to the top of the Meiji-era Shirohama Nojima-saki Lighthouse, accessible via the stone arch bridge, for the best panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean and the unique "glasses bridge" from the observation deck.
- Local Experience: Participate in the free seedling planting demonstration held in the greenhouse on the first Sunday of each month from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, where visitors can help plant seedlings used in regional farming projects.
- Timing for Events: Attend the White Beach Sea Woman Festival on July 20–21, arriving by 6:30 PM to secure a good spot for the nighttime procession of sea women swimming with torches and the subsequent fireworks display.
- Practical Tip: Use the free Wi-Fi available in the hall to download the official "Shirohama Nojima-saki" guide app before exploring, which includes real-time updates on event schedules and the location of seasonal produce displays.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Late March to April features peak canola flower viewing, with vibrant fields surrounding the roadside station.
Summer (June–August): July 20–21 hosts the White Beach Mermaid Festival, including night swims and fireworks.
Autumn (September–November): Not specified in content.
Winter (December–February): Winter blooms create a floral carpet, with the lighthouse and coastal paths ideal for scenic walks.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Features a dedicated children's playground, stroller-friendly paths, and educational greenhouse activities. Restrooms and parking accommodate families. Interactive farm displays enhance child engagement. Limited kid-specific dining options slightly reduce the score.
Food Lover Review
Offers a variety of local seafood and regional produce from the farmers market. Features a restaurant serving seasonal dishes and a specialty shop with authentic local goods. Fresh, high-quality ingredients enhance the culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Provides basic facilities including restrooms, vending machines, and a designated RV parking area. The beachfront location offers scenic views, but noise from nearby events and limited privacy reduce overnight comfort. Overnight parking is permitted but not explicitly advertised.
Scenic Beauty Review
Boasts stunning coastal views, a historic lighthouse with a panoramic observation deck, and the unique megane bridge. Seasonal beauty peaks in spring with blooming flowers and summer with ocean vistas. The natural setting and cultural landmarks create a strong aesthetic appeal.